Joao Pedro scored two stunning goals on his first start for Chelsea as the Blues defeated Fluminense 2-0 to book their place in the Club World Cup final.
The £60 million signing from Brighton, who began his career at Fluminense, wasted no time making an impression. He struck in both halves to knock out his former club and secure a spot in Sunday’s final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
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Chelsea faced a few nervy moments in the first half. Marc Cucurella cleared a shot off the line after Hercules had beaten goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Moments later, Trevor Chalobah was penalised for handball in the box following a free-kick, but a VAR review overturned the decision, ruling his hand was in a natural position. The Fluminense players reacted angrily to the reversal.
Despite the intense heat in New Jersey, Chelsea kept their composure. Fluminense pushed for an equaliser, but Joao Pedro punished them on the counterattack with a powerful strike that sealed the victory.
Reaching the final has already earned Chelsea £80 million over the last three weeks. A win against Real Madrid or PSG would bring in an additional £29 million.
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